August 2015

Gazprom Space Systems satellite dishes. Photo: Gazprom Space Systems [Via Satellite 08-31-2015] Russian satellite operator Gazprom Space Systems (GSS) is intent on filling out its existing fleet of satellites in 2016. The company, which has 3.5 times more capacity in-orbit today than it did in 2012, aims to fill its four-satellite constellation by the close…

The Proton rocket used to orbit Inmarsat 5 F3. Photo: Khrunichev [Via Satellite 08-31-2015] Inmarsat’s third satellite in its Global Xpress (GX) High Throughput Satellite (HTS) constellation launched on Aug. 29 aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The mission successfully delivered the satellite to Super-Synchronous Transfer Orbit…

The MCY 105 megayacht [Via Satellite 08-31-2015] Italian boat manufacturer Monte Carlo Yachts (MCY) has selected KVH Industries’ TracVision TV8 marine satellite television antenna system for its newest and largest luxury line, the MCY 105. Scheduled for introduction at several European yachting shows this September, the 105-foot megayacht will feature the KVH antenna as its…

Photo: TV Cultura [Via Satellite 08-31-2015] TV Cultura, a part of The Padre Anchieta Foundation, has signed a new contract with Intelsat to enhance its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) offering in Brazil and to position the company to distribute its programming internationally. On Intelsat 11, TV Cultura will expand its presence in Brazil, and is…

Jackie Nikolajsen, COO of Satcom1. Photo: Satcom1 [Via Satellite 08-31-2015] Satcom1 has appointed Jackie Nikolajsen as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Nikolajsen brings 20 years of technical, operational and senior management experience from the business aviation industry. Prior to this appointment, Nikolajsen held several positions at ExecuJet Europe, such as head of completion…

Hong Kong Airlines signed an agreement earlier this summer at the Paris Air Show with AirCom Pacific to install IFEC systems on-board Hong Kong Airlines aircraft. Photo: Aero Icarus (Wikimedia) [Via Satellite 08-28-2015] AirCom Pacific, a new In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) provider dedicated to the Asia Pacific, plans to launch its service in the…

Artist’s rendition of two WGS satellites. Photo: U.S. Air Force [Via Satellite 08-28-2015] Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ subsidiary RT Logic has received a $49 million firm fixed price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), single contract award for satellite and communication system hardware, equipment, and products from a U.S. government agency. The period of performance…

Paiboon Panuwattanawong, next Thaicom CEO. Photo: Thaicom [Via Satellite 08-28-2015] Thaicom has appointed Paiboon Panuwattanawong to take up the roles of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and authorized director of Thaicom starting Oct. 1. Current CEO Suphajee Suthumpun will assume the role of advisor to the CEO, to support Panuwattanawong during the leadership transition period from…

Wallops’ current MLCC. Photo: NASA [Via Satellite 08-28-2015] NASA has awarded a $5.6 million contract to Harkins Contracting of Salisbury, Md., for the construction of a new Mission Launch Command Center (MLCC) at the agency’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Va. The new 14,174 square-foot facility will serve as the hub for interfacing with…

Martin “Dill” Faulkes. Photo: Faulkes.com [Via Satellite 08-28-2015] Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd. (GES) has appointed Martin C Faulkes as chairman of its board of directors. The appointment of Faulkes further strengthens GES as it continues to grow and develop in the U.K. space sector. Faulkes brings a wealth of experience to Goonhilly. As the founding…